Wildfires and major building fires

Fires can pose a major risk to people’s lives, health and property. Toxic combustion gases pose the greatest threat to health.

A wildfire may threaten people’s homes and health and the functioning of infrastructure if it spreads uncontrollably. In the worst case, wildfires may spread to population centres, causing extensive building fires. If the situation is serious, people may have to be evacuated.

A building fire may turn into a major accident if the number of fatalities or injuries is high or the damage is extensive. For example, combustion gases from fires in industrial buildings can be highly toxic. A major accident is a crisis for loved ones, communities and society.

Anticipation and safe handling of fire are the most important means of avoiding human-induced fires. Wildfires may also occur as a result of lightning.

Lighting a fire in nature or yards always requires careful and safe handling.

Before lighting a fire, think:

• How likely is it that the fire may spread to the terrain or buildings?
• What will you do if the fire is uncontrollable?

Do not light an open fire if:

• there is a risk of the fire spreading, for example due to windiness or drought
• a wildfire warning has been issued or the authorities have prohibited making fires
• you cannot ensure it will go out or you cannot put it out yourself.

Always check for wildfire warnings before making a fire. Weather reports and the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website provide information about wildfire warnings.

More information on wildfire warnings - Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window.

Current warnings in land and sea areas - Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window.

If you notice a wildfire or fire that you have lit spreads into the environment:

• Report the fire to the emergency number 112.
• Try to extinguish the fire if it can be safely done.
• Warn those around you.
• Plan the escape route to avoid becoming trapped by the fire.
• Wait in a safe place for the first responders to arrive and guide them to the fire location.

If smoke is emitted from the fire, air quality will deteriorate and may cause harm to people.

• Leave the area. Try to travel in a direction where the wind is not spreading smoke.
• Go indoors, close windows and shut off ventilation.
• Visibility may deteriorate unexpectedly, so be careful in traffic.
• If you are forced to move outdoors, wear a respirator or protect your respiratory tract with a scarf, for example, even though these do not protect you against toxic gases in the air.
• The rescue department in your area provides information on the situation and instructs people. Follow the instructions.

People may have to be evacuated from large areas due to combustion gases or an uncontrollably spreading fire. There may also be significant property damage.

Smoke and fine particles from wildfires outside Finland’s borders may also spread to Finland and cause harm. See the air quality map of the Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window. for information about air quality in Finland.

Read more: What to do in an emergency - Suomi.fiOpens in a new window.

The risks of a fire are different depending on the building and its intended use.

If a fire ignites in a larger building in continuous use, it may cause a major accident. Such buildings include blocks of flats, public spaces or industrial buildings.

With first-aid firefighting skills and rapid action in the early stages of a fire, you can prevent a more serious accident. You can especially affect the risk factors at your home.

How to prevent fires and prepare to put them out:

• Always behave in a way that prevents fire risks, no matter where you are.
• Be careful with electrical appliances, fires and flammable substances.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are in order.
• Learn first-aid firefighting skills.
• Think about what you would do in case of a fire.

Read more:

• Prevent fires at home (in Finnish and Swedish) - Finnish National Rescue AssociationOpens in a new window.
• Handling fire - Pelastustoimi.fiOpens in a new window.

In the event of a fire, you must act quickly. Once a fire has ignited, there are only minutes for first-aid firefighting and rescue efforts.

• Try to extinguish the fire if this can be safely done.
• Save yourself.
• Call 112 for help.
• Warn and help others.
• Wait in a safe place for the first responders to arrive and guide them to the fire location.

Factors affecting how to act in a fire include the building you are in and the place where the fire started. This makes it important that you have considered in advance how to act in the event of a fire and know how to act correctly.

Read more:

• Instructions on what to do in the event of a fire - Pelastustoimi.fiOpens in a new window.
• First-aid firefighting - Pelastustoimi.fiOpens in a new window.
• What to do in an emergency - Suomi.fiOpens in a new window.